RO/DI Unit... what do you have and other questions

[glarior]

What do you have for a RO/DI unit for your aquarium?

I am thinking of going this way but am doing some research and saving money before I make a decision. I only have three tanks, 30g, 55g, and 75g+20g sump. I am looking for the cheapest () but good RO setup.

Can you drink the RO/DI water? I worked at a place that had DI water and they told us you can not drink the water.

Recommend any brands for me to check out?

Thanks!

[Dave66]

Personally, I use a pair of Spectra-pure RO/DI units, one for freshwater use, one for mixing marine salts for my reef tanks. Spectra-pure units aren't at all cheap, but like anything, you get what you pay for. I've used many, many different RO and RO/DI units over the last 30 years, and thus far the Spectra-pure units are the best I've used.

Dave

[fishbum]

This is a good system at a descent price,
http://cgi.ebay.com/REVERSE-OSMOSIS-...DLVI%26ps%3D54

The only thing I haven't figured out or learned about is how to get the water into your tank.I realize that you can just use the water spout and fill up a container that way,but I know there has to be a more efficient way.The system linked has like a 3 gallon storage tank.So filling up a tank 3 gallons at a time could take weeks.I also know you can buy larger storage tanks,but they cost a fortune for new ones.
Does anyone here know the most efficient way to use a system like this for a fish tank?

[fishbum]

Here is one for the brand Dave suggested,but again,what is the most efficient(quickest) way to fill up a tank with one of these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-SPECTRA...3A1%7C294%3A50

[Dave66]

My units do 400 gallons per day. I use 437 gallon fiberglass vats to catch the RO/DI water, and the units automatically shut off when the contents reach 400 gallons. I use a mag-drive pump to pump 33 gallons into Rubbermaid trash cans, and wheel them to the tank that needs a partial change. I use a mag-drive pump with a hose attached to pump the water into the tank. Takes about 10 minutes, all told.

You can find vats, like those used for cattle, at farm supply stores for not a lot of money. Just have your RO unit's water flow into it, and install a float valve to turn off the unit when your container is as full as you want it.

Dave

It's a little work, but I enjoy it.

[fishbum]

That seems simple enough.I had always wondered how to do it.I had looked at new pressurized RO tanks,and the big ones are at least $1,000 dollars .I have thought about setting up a reef tank someday and would want RO water for it,this gives me a good idea on how to do it. Thanks!

glarior,sorry about hijacking your thread! :)

[fishbum]

One more thing Dave.Do you use units similair to the ones I linked?

[PostalPenguin]

RO/DI water is safe to drink but it will "taste" bad since it will have no minerals in it. Likely it will also be stripped of any dissolved gases so it will taste similar to a cup of water that has been sitting out for a few days.

They likely told you not to drink the water because those machines, at least in our lab, cost thousands of dollars and are for lab use and lab use only.

[Dave66]

One more thing Dave.Do you use units similair to the ones I linked?

I use the Max-Cap UHE model, because they waste so little water. Haven't used a two stager in ages, but the brand is good.

By the way, you can either mix the RO/DI water with some tap water to drink it, or use a commercial product to add the minerals for taste.

Dave

[glarior]

RO/DI water is safe to drink but it will "taste" bad since it will have no minerals in it. Likely it will also be stripped of any dissolved gases so it will taste similar to a cup of water that has been sitting out for a few days.

They likely told you not to drink the water because those machines, at least in our lab, cost thousands of dollars and are for lab use and lab use only.

It was semiconductor (makes microchips) the machines cost millions. After reading what you wrote and I realized that they DI water would be polluted with anything ranging from HF, HCL, Arsnic, and other good chemicals. So I am sure it was a CYA....

glarior,sorry about hijacking your thread! :)

HIJACKER! LOL, just kidding. It's ok... You answered some of my other questions.

Here is one I found on ebay that should work... what do yall think? HERE

The only thing I have not figured out is the connections. It says it comes with a garden hose adapter. I would assume I can set it up, do my water change and then add the RO/DI water straight to the tank with the water hose?